ORIGINAL PAPER
Longitudinal study on the impact of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on VO2max and depression symptoms in late menopausal women
1
Faculty of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Nandha College of Physiotherapy, Dr M.G.R. Medical University, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
3
SRM College of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
4
Thanthai Periyar Government Headquarters Hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
5
Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
6
Shree Venkateshwara College of Paramedical Sciences, College of Physiotherapy Gobichettipalayam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
7
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, India
Submission date: 2025-06-26
Acceptance date: 2025-11-19
Publication date: 2026-06-30
Corresponding author
SELVI PALANISAMY
Selvi Palanisamy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600078 Tamil Nadu, India, e-mail: selviphysio369@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9258-3656
Selvi Palanisamy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600078 Tamil Nadu, India, e-mail: selviphysio369@gmail.com; https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9258-3656
Physiother Quart. 2026;34(2):103-108
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
To evaluate the effects of a 12-month moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on VO2max, depression symptoms, and secondary health outcomes in late menopausal women.
Methods:
This is a 12-month longitudinal randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the influence of a 12-month moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, participating in structured aerobic exercise, or a control group, continuing their usual activities with no structured exercise. Randomisation will be age-stratified and stratified by baseline severity of depression to have equally sized groups. The 12-month duration is selected in order to detect long-term effects, since shorter interventions would likely have smaller effect sizes for VO2max and depression. The study will be conducted according to the CONSORT statement guidelines for RCTs to promote methodological thoroughness.
Results:
Participants showed a significant increase in VO2max (+2.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1) and a 43% reduction in depression scores by 12 months. Physical activity rose markedly, sleep quality improved (PSQI score dropped from 8.5 to 6.2), and quality of life enhancements were noted across multiple menopause-related domains. BMI modestly decreased, and greater improvements were observed in younger participants and those with more severe baseline depression.
Conclusions:
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is a safe, accessible, and effective intervention to enhance physical fitness and psychological well-being in late menopausal women, with added benefits for sleep, weight, and quality of life.
To evaluate the effects of a 12-month moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on VO2max, depression symptoms, and secondary health outcomes in late menopausal women.
Methods:
This is a 12-month longitudinal randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the influence of a 12-month moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, participating in structured aerobic exercise, or a control group, continuing their usual activities with no structured exercise. Randomisation will be age-stratified and stratified by baseline severity of depression to have equally sized groups. The 12-month duration is selected in order to detect long-term effects, since shorter interventions would likely have smaller effect sizes for VO2max and depression. The study will be conducted according to the CONSORT statement guidelines for RCTs to promote methodological thoroughness.
Results:
Participants showed a significant increase in VO2max (+2.9 ml · kg−1 · min−1) and a 43% reduction in depression scores by 12 months. Physical activity rose markedly, sleep quality improved (PSQI score dropped from 8.5 to 6.2), and quality of life enhancements were noted across multiple menopause-related domains. BMI modestly decreased, and greater improvements were observed in younger participants and those with more severe baseline depression.
Conclusions:
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is a safe, accessible, and effective intervention to enhance physical fitness and psychological well-being in late menopausal women, with added benefits for sleep, weight, and quality of life.
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